Moldova proposes to settle $8.6 million in debt to Gazprom, a far cry from the $709 million requested, based on an external audit. Gazprom rejects this offer and maintains its demand for full payment, fuelling geopolitical tensions surrounding this energy debt.

Chevron employees have begun rotating strikes at gas production sites in Australia, threatening up to 5% of the world's liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply.

The route of the Force de Sibérie 2 gas pipeline to China is being finalized, but Beijing remains reserved, despite Russian ambitions to redirect gas exports from Europe to Asia. The contract between Gazprom and CNPC could be signed by the end of the year, enabling Russia to deliver significant quantities of gas and LNG to China by 2030.

Canadian gas pipeline giant Enbridge becomes North America's leading natural gas supplier with a $14 billion acquisition, consolidating its position in the energy sector.

Gazprom's net profit fell significantly in the first half of 2023, due to lower gas exports to Europe, albeit offset by higher deliveries to China. This situation is the result of geopolitical tensions, prompting Gazprom to redirect its exports to Asia to meet the region's growing energy demand.

Bolivia is facing depletion of its natural gas reserves, the country's main source of revenue, due to a lack of investment in exploration for new reserves. The Chairman of state-owned oil company YPFB announces a $669 million investment to boost production.

Two fatal explosions at a gas station near Bucharest in Romania killed two people and injured 56 others, some of whom were evacuated abroad for treatment. International aid has been requested, while investigations into the reasons for the explosions are ongoing.

Sinopec unveils a significant breakthrough in the "Project Deep Earth-Sichuan and Chongqing Natural Gas Base" with the addition of 30.55 billion cubic meters of gas reserves in the Bazhong field, revealing promising potential.

Japanese LNG buyers remain vigilant to the threat of strikes on the North West Shelf LNG project in Australia, while observing normal activity for current cargoes. Industrial tensions may have a limited impact on Japanese LNG supplies, while spot prices in Asia are rising on supply concerns.

Europe is set for a slightly warmer-than-normal winter, with the exception of the UK. Climate forecasts raise uncertainties.